Hickmott: Schabau still has room to develop

by Luke Sheehan

Schabau was dominant on SaturdayImage: Getty

Trainer Robert Hickmott explained the reasoning for the change of tactics for his German import Schabau at Flemington on Saturday.

After decimating the Roy Higgins Quality field to the tune of 3.75L under a nice hold from Craig Williams, Schabau was a big firmer for the Melbourne Cup as his first start beyond 10 furlongs in Australia gave him no problems.

A few punters were sweating up pre-race about the odds-on pop's chances given the tactics change.

But speaking on Sunday, Hickmott merely said Schabau - winner of all three of his Australian starts - simply needed a bunny to chase.

"Last start, it was no fault of Mark's [Mark Zahra] at all, he rode terrifically - but he got to the front too soon, and he's one of those horses that has a look when he gets there, in all his trackwork he's been the same, he'll only get past his work partner and won't put them away, he's just quite happy just to wait for them," Hickmott told RSN 927's Correct Weight.

Hickmott also explained Mark Zahra remains the first-choice rider on him, with Craig Williams taking the mount on Saturday. Zahra's minimum riding weight at the moment is around 55.5kg/56kg, with Williams easily able to ride the 54kg allotted to him at Listed level on Saturday.

Being a Northern Hemisphere-bred horse, Schabau's still a few weeks from completing his fourth year, foaled on April 10, 2015.

And Hickmott said his development over the autumn and winter months is set to see him improve further.

"Obviously he's got the attributes of a good stayer - he's sound, got a great action, his lung capacity is brilliant, his aerobic capacity is very good," he said.

"Being a stallion, I couldn't be more impressed with all his blood profile pictures going forward, and he's not even a four-year-old yet so he'll develop a bit the next three, four months, and I'm sure his spring campaign as he steps up against better horses, I'm sure we'll see the best of him."

Meanwhile, Hickmott is looking to nab a comeback win with 9YO entire Amralah.

He is third-up in the $100,00 Wangaratta Cup (2000m) on Sunday afternoon, and Hickmott said the ex-Macedon Lodge galloper is close to full fitness.

"Terrific, the old bull. He's surprised me a bit with his progression last start, only been beaten 3L [at Caulfield]," he added.

"I thought it was a terrific effort from where he's come from.

"He's probably still one away from peaking.

"He can win today, he's got the class, there's no doubting that. Obviously Peter's horse [Call Me Handsome] is the one to beat, he'll be on pace, hopefully we can take a nice sit 2-3 lengths off him, and if we can run him down, we can be the winner for sure."